by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
A man can learn a lot in a few minutes about what’s going on in his community by listening to what’s being discussed in the neighborhood barber shop while he waits to get a trim. In Don Redman’s case, he’s heard it all day for 40 years.
The owner and operator of Don’s Sportsman Barber Shop on Belfort Road, Redman is beginning his first term as the City Council member for District 4.
“From ministers to bar owners, I cut everyone’s hair,” he said.
Owning a business and raising a family in the neighborhood weren’t the only reasons he was led to seek public office.
“After living and working in this district for 40 years, I knew many people and have been involved in a lot of activities. I felt serving on the City Council would be the best way for me to give something back to the community. I also felt there was a need for better communication between the citizens and their government,” said Redman.
Like many people, the U.S. Navy brought Don Redman to Jacksonville. He said he joined the service as soon as he graduated from high school then spent a year at Cecil Filed and three more stationed on a destroyer at Mayport Naval Station. Also like many people, when his hitch was up he decided this is where he wanted to put down roots.
He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and all of them went to Englewood High School. Redman said education will be one of his priorities as a Council member and he has been a member of the Full Service Schools Leadership Council for eight years. During that time, Englewood was one of five public high schools that have become “Neighborhood Resource Center Full Service Schools.” In addition to education, the schools provide community services that range from substance abuse prevention programs and counseling to assistance with basic needs like food, clothing and school supplies.
Redman also said any time an issue comes before the Council that involves improving the health and fitness of Jacksonville’s citizens, expect him to support that as well.
He said he began his fitness-based lifestyle about 40 years ago when he settled in Jacksonville.
“When I got out of the Navy I was in poor physical shape, so I decided to make some changes. I started running before it was the cool thing to do.”
Redman is a vegetarian whose favorite meal is a baked potato with spinach and begins each day with an eight-mile bike ride before he goes to work and said he has participated in every Gate River Run.
Redman is a long-time fan of the triathlon, both as a participant and organizer. He was appointed to the Mayor’s Council on Fitness and Wellbeing by former Mayor John Delaney and organized the Titanium Man Triathlon at Camp Blanding, the God & Country Triathlon Series and the Youth Triathlon at Baptist Home for Children.
Redman’s appreciation for physical activity also extends to his vacation time.
“Each year, my wife and I go to the Smoky Mountains for our anniversary. I ride my mountain bike and jog while she goes shopping,” he said.
Redman also pointed out he realizes he’s the new standard-bearer for a couple of City Council traditions that used to be associated with former member Warren Alvarez: at age 62, he is the senior member of the 2007-2011 legislative body and, “I was raised on a farm in Oklahoma, so I know how to milk a cow.”